Dustin Hopkins caps Browns historic comeback: ‘I feel like an arsonist that put out his own fire’

Dustin Hopkins had the confidence he was going to drill the winning 40-yard field goal. The Cleveland Browns had the confidence in Hopkins too, even if Hopkins knew he created a scenario that put his team needing him to make a game-winning kick in the first place.

“I feel like an arsonist that put out his own fire and then gets a pat on the back,” Hopkins said to reporters after the Browns’ thrilling 33-31 win over the Baltimore Ravens, via Cleveland.com. “They have faith in me, and as a kicker, you love those opportunities.” 

What Hopkins was referring to was a missed extra point after Greg Newsome picked off a Lamar Jackson pass and took the ball 34 yards the other way for the touchdown. The Browns needed the extra point to tie the game 31-31, but Hopkins missed the kick to keep Cleveland trailing 31-30. 

The Browns never led in the game until Hopkins earned another opportunity in the final seconds, his heroics set up via a 12-yard run by Jerome Ford to make the winning kick easier. 

“It’s like you can’t get too high or too low,” Hopkins said on the potential distance, via a Browns transcript. “Either way, you’re just like … In the back of your mind, you’re aware. It’s like, ‘Hey, good it’s closer.’ But also, you’re still not celebrating. You know, you’re just trying to stay locked in. 

“So yes, I mean the fact that they moved (further down the field), that was a testament to them. They’re amazing.” 

Even though Hopkins missed the extra point and the Browns passed on a long field goal attempt at the end of the first half, there was no chance head coach Kevin Stefanski was going to pass on him clinching a victory. 

“That’s why we got him,” Stefanski said. “Listen, we’re not perfect. None of these players are perfect. I know I’m not perfect. I trust our guys to come through when it matters.” 

Hopkins’ kick capped a historic comeback for the Browns. Cleveland trailed…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dustin-hopkins-caps-browns-historic-comeback-i-feel-like-an-arsonist-that-put-out-his-own-fire/

Author : Jeff Kerr

Publish date : 2023-11-13 16:54:51

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